Hi. We are a design/style LA based company specializing in mixing eclectic styles on moderate budgets. Also we have a strange amount of fun blogging about all our design and style adventures. Right now I’m happy to say that I’m Target’s home spokesperson, bringing accessible/stylish design to the masses.

It’s a None-Trend Trend...

Big announcement that might change your life and reduce all home hesitation or shopping stress: it’s my personal belief/theory that one of the biggest trends of this upcoming year is actually timelessness. It’s like ordering a healthy meal that also tastes delicious; it rarely happens so when it does, you get excited and, well, want to stuff your face/house. We are calling this look “Updated Classic;” it’s a touch similar in feel to the Modern Traditional aesthetic we blogged about here, but with more livability and far more attainable for all. The good news is that Target’s new fall Threshold collection is full of it—every piece you see in this reveal that we styled is affordable, beautiful and available now at our favorite store, Target.

Before I show you too much, I want to talk a little about why I think people are leaning more into traditional. I believe the reason for this trend shift is cultural, people wanting warmth and the comfort of “traditional” but with accessories and accent pieces that still feel contemporary and edgy. We want to avoid chaos without too many conflicting colors or busy patterns, but still have spaces that feel layered and comfortable.

We also want to know that our money is stretching further with major pieces we buy—the more traditional and classic, the higher chance that they will work with any style in the case that our house or style shifts. So the furniture in this collection is transitional and is so simple it literally can’t be dated for years and years to come.

“Updated Classic” is happening and today I’m going to walk you through how to look for and combine your pieces to successfully create a look like we did, whether it’s with pieces you already have or if you are starting fresh (lucky you; like I said, it’s just a one-stop shop at Target).

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Step 1: Choose major upholstery pieces that have some curve (= warm and inviting) but not too much decorative detail (= modern and fresh).

The and this does this in a perfect way.

Look at that . When I first saw it in the lookbook months ago, I said “You better place a very large order, including 2 for me.” I’ve long been a wingback fan for their comfort and classic vibe, heck they’ve been around for centuries, so I KNOW they are timeless, but this one is so beautifully updated and affordable. Those legs are delicate but shapely in a way that feels fresh and the scale is just right for an accent chair (sometimes wingbacks can be LARGE and feel like they’re eating a room).

The fabric is a soft gray linen (with a poly blend to make it more stain resistant), the piping looks so high-end and is done so well, and the legs give it a more midcentury feel which edges it up a bit. I want many places in my life now and will likely put it in my living room or my bedroom.

On to the . Here’s a hot trend that is going nowhere: a slimmer upholstered arm helps a sofa not feel too chunky but it’s still comfortable to lean against while allowing for more seating space. Also if you are , go for less seat and back cushions for a cleaner look (two vs. three for instance).

The furniture in this whole line is refined but casual and that soft swoop of the arm is understated and just so easy to layer (and lay) upon.

Step 2: Keep major pieces in classic, neutral tones for timelessness.

We all know this and it seems redundant, but neutrals are timeless because they don’t fall victim as easily to trend swings. That said, don’t be afraid to mix in some hits of color, like a green velvet easy chair, and throw in some family heirlooms to help elevate these neutral pieces and give them a different context. If your style is full of color, then don’t start layering beige on gray all over your house. If you’re all about that sapphire blue sofa, then, by all means, go for it, but it’s also not a bad idea if your color preferences change often (or you don’t have super strong leanings) to start with a major neutral piece and change out the accents frequently.

I personally think that muted, soft blues and greens can also be neutrals, along with whites, grays and taupes (and navys). Think about the French or Swedish blue-grays; those are always in style and aren’t beige. If this were my personal living room, I’d keep that chair (obviously) but do a more mid-tone sofa and a textured or striped rug because I like a bit more contrast between my pieces of furniture, but that is just my style preference. You can always feel confident that a neutral sofa will a good choice that you likely won’t get sick of for years and years.

Step #3: Edge it up.

This is a CRUCIAL step so you don’t fall into generic/boring territory. It is crucial now that you have your relatively “safe” foundational pieces that you bring in some black accents in a modern shape.

The next to the wingback is pretty amazing in its modern simplicity. Sure, it has a decorative turned base, but it’s so thin and that keeps it feeling “now.” (If you’re jumping out of your chair to buy this, just a little FYI that it’s not available until September 30, but we’ll update the link when it’s ready to be yours).

The isn’t new, but it is one of my favorites from Target. The black base is so simple and squared off while the top adds a lot of warmth. The repeats this thin black profile in other side tables, as well as those which I LOVE.

These are honestly some of the pieces that I’m most excited about this year and as we were unboxing the side tables and candlesticks, we were all very impressed. Perhaps some EHD unboxing videos are in order. If you don’t know what an unboxing video is, give it a Google, and let the oddness horrify you (and whatever you do, DO NOT let your kids see—I hear that kids can watch hours of other kids just opening up “presents” which seems rather odd).

We did a poll on Instagram between these two black side tables and it was literally 50/50 (well technically 51% to 49% but close enough).

Step #4: Ground it with nature.

The black edges up the neutral look, and the wood tones and natural elements take it back down. This contrast is crucial to keeping it feeling updated, not dated.

For the wood elements, we kept it more refined, and less rustic. My goodness, I feel like all I’ve said this year is rustic and refined. This (another piece that isn’t available until September 30) is GREAT especially for how inexpensive it is. It is heavy and substantial (Target refers to it as a coffee table) but I think depending on how much space you have to work with, it’s actually a perfect large-scale side table (or group a few for coffee table).

The in this pretty wood is also feeling very “Updated Classic” while leaning even a little contemporary. The ribbed texture of the wood gives it a more modern feel, but the lines are so clean and simple and in the warm wood it still works with our .

You can see in the above photo how the wood tones work so well together and really help warm up the room. (Yes, that is also part of the collection but wasn’t working in the living room so we threw it here and this is one of my favorite shots).

Certainly, the large (definitely outdoor) tree, plants, branches and wood tones (including that lovely and always popular lamp) show you how you can layer on natural elements to warm up a space and add character (even when everything is brand new). Target has a few terrariums and pots with some rather real-looking faux greenery and it’s my professional opinion that these are great to use if you buy higher end ones and of course keep the dust off of them.

Step #5: Add handmade elements through textiles, accessories and art.

This is also another contrast to the more modern black shapes. Sleek and hard + handmade and soft creates tension and keeps it feeling interesting and layered.

If your furniture is a simple linen like this, then layering on another texture is important to keep it feeling collected and warm. Here’s where you can bring in color (like that awesome and super squishy ) or edge it up with this in the above sofa. The knits are chunky and cozy and there are so many great plaids in the collection (perfect for my #ehdmountainfixer).

The art and pottery are always great at Target, we know this to be true, and this fall, there are so many pieces that feel really special, in a simple way.

The are so elegant and refined (and sorry that dresser is an antique + stop staring at that gorgeous custom door please). That is new, by the way, and had it been larger, we would have used it in the living room. It’s such a beautiful dark taupe and cream pattern.

The looks like you could have purchased it at Nickey Kehoe but it’s from Target (for $25). This shoot was only styled with samples so I haven’t even seen 1/10th of the pottery or lighting and I’m already so excited. I’ll use that little white over and over, and the is so modern and fresh. The whole collection of white pottery is just beautiful and so timeless. I could go on and on.

If you are wondering where this gorgeous location is, you’ll have to stay tuned to see how we are styling the rest of the house (it’s a friend of a friend’s who is an architect/set designer, so we are going to collaborate and shoot it for the blog). While we weren’t doing much in the kitchen, we took this beautiful shot below because we couldn’t help it.

That’s a ridiculously beautiful still-life. HUGE kudos to the photo/styling team (Sara, Brady and Emily B.) for creating this romantic fall moment. While the antique farm table is obviously not from Target, everything else is from the fall Target collection (most is from Threshold, with a couple Project62 mixed in).

So that’s my five-step process and one that I think is easy to follow. Remember, even if you are doing a rather traditional style like this one, keeping it eclectic will give it that updated and “now” context. The refined linen + curved arm + serious black side tables + organic wood shapes + oil paintings + chunky knits + faux leathers + handmade pottery all in a coordinating color palette = a timeless, updated classic look that is ALSO on trend.

While I love to mix in other styles and antiques or vintage to break up the newness and feel more like me, so many of these pieces could also work with any style because of their simplicity. If you like this look in its completeness and you are starting out and want to just go to one store to pull together a beautiful, affordable, comfortable, timeless, inviting, updated classic living room, Target’s fall Threshold collection is here for you. Here’s your epic Get the Look to bring this vibe home:

Target also curated the majority of the pieces we used for the shoot on custom landing pages so you can see everything in one place. Check out each collected vignette here:

We didn’t stop there and, of course, Brian and I created a video for you to see this all in action before you head to the store (or click away to the site).

I realize that this is not everyone’s style. I think about how popular the Opalhouse makeovers were (refresher: we did two bedrooms in two different styles using that line, here and here) and this is so different, so I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you think this “Updated Classic” look has as much longevity as I do. I personally think that wingback would work in almost anybody’s home, no matter what the style. Do you agree?

***This post is in partnership with Target, a brand who we support completely and love partnering with.

***Photography by Sara Tramp for EHD, art direction by me, styling by Brady and Emily B, and video by .

I am really glad to see something a little more traditional and calm in the mainstream. Lately it seems like its hard to find anything except mid-century, which is just not my aesthetic. The Opalhouse line is so cool and eclectic, but can feel a little too busy.

I am 100% ON BOARD with “updated classic”! This is the look I go for in my own house. I’m in the Midwest, and I feel like this look is more relatable for most styles of homes here than, say, the California Cool or boho. Also, it’s gorgeous.

Totally going to look for some modern black pieces and oil paintings to round out my space now! PLEASE do more on the “updated classic” look 🙂 You guys are amazing!

This style resonates with me SO much. The modern traditional post was a little too “don’t touch” but very beautiful too. I have two littles under 5 so I need accessible and this is it! ❤️ Target is stealing my heart but sometimes I also worry that it makes items that were once more unique ubiquitous. It’s a love hate relationship sometimes 🙂

Love all of this. I definitely feel like this fits anywhere. It’s less exciting than the opal house collection, but, like you said, much more timeless. I’ll take two of everything, but my first purchase will be that wood and black bowl.

Love it. And I love a lot of styles, but yes…totally timeless and classic and really pulled together. It is like a marriage of different periods subtly crossing over their exact time. That sentence makes total sense to me. 🙂

(example: Something might be 1800-1850, but it looks like it is 1853 so it blends well with the 1850-1900.) Still confused? Sorry. Up since 3:30 AM and just started on my first cup of coffee…. (Wake Up Call coffee -smoothest, best ever. ) And I’m not connected to the coffee, but whenever my family visits from Spokane, WA to Ohio where coffee is under appreciated, I make them bring me some beans. You’re welcome.)

I think it’s definitely a nice alternative to very traditional pieces. As a hard and fast MCM person only a few of the accessories might interest me but I can appreciate that it’s a great option for a lot of people who want a more traditional feel without it being too stuffy.

Well I don’t know about everyone else but I’m geeking out over here (which I kinda hate to do on principle with an everything-by-a-sponsor post) but… this is MY STYLE. I vastly prefer it to the Opalhouse which was fun to look at and enticing but I realized not something I actually want to live with in this decade of my life (as opposed to my early 20’s). Every room in this shoot looks a lot like my home down to the basic architecture and furniture choices, though my home has a smidge more of the green/blue/terracotta colors among the neutrals. I died when I saw that wingback, then I died again when I saw it doesn’t come in blue. Those legs kill me! I have a single blue chair that I can’t find another of and it really wants to be a pair.
Amazing work, though. It really looks beautiful and not like it was all from one store. I was supposed to paint my girls’ bedroom today but I’m feeling bleh so maybe I will just make it a Target run instead 😉

Amazing job guys! The whole time I was thinking “wow that pair of landscape paintings has to be unique and expensive” and then you didn’t mention them so I was SURE it was. And bam, then they’re from Target. And $45?! What the what?! So amazing. Thanks for styling out such an awesome room!

I’ll show you when we shoot it. Its in a butlers pantry and while many people would probably not like this, we love it and think its so smart. Again the home is owned by an architect and a graphic designer so they value aesthetics and likely care more about the space than ease, but shooting there for a week I can say that it didn’t feel annoying to me (but this is the girl who also put my fridge on the other side of kitchen from the sink). More to come but we loved the kitchen, thus the reason we are shooting it. xx

I loved this post and shoot. I actually just bought 2 of those wingback chairs because of it. We moved a few months ago, and we finally have the resources to try and make deliberate choices about furniture in our living room (instead of a daybed/sofa where the back falls off when you lean on it). I love that they are this modern/traditional – our house is a 100-year old Craftsman, and we really want to make an effort to choose some of the more substantial pieces so that they feel like they fit with the character of the house, so that we have some leeway to mix it up with accessories, etc.

We had been looking and really considering going custom (I was in the Serena & Lily store this weekend, since they’re having that 20% custom upholstery), but I wasn’t ready to pull the trigger. I’m kind of nervous about how chairs will look in the space, and nervous about how a lighter upholstery (to go with an emerald green english roll arm sofa (the Rose) that we just ordered from Interior Define for their annual 15% off sale) will work. These – I love the dimensions – they’re on the smaller side of what I’d been considering, which is great. And the very low arms (which I guess is our unintentional theme of the living room furnishings) will hopefully be accessible for people (I’m trying to have at least 1 armless seating option in each of the common areas, and we’ve also been aiming for taller seat heights). Plus, if they get here and the color is all wrong, or I misunderstood dimensions, we can return them straightaway.

So, thank you so much for this! I’d been looking at hundreds/thousands of accent chairs for the last few weeks, trying to solve this puzzle, and now they’ll be here Friday and we can see 🙂

YAY. And while I love Serena and lily, these are far more affordable. I ordered two yesterday for our living room, too (and no, as much as I’ve begged and tried to convince them I need to have my own parking spot and endless gift card, I don’t have an unlimited Target budget so I’m buying them for myself). I’m putting one in the living room and one in our master bedroom (I think … i probably only need one but if they sell out i’ll be SO BUMMED).

Wow… The new product + your/your team’s styling = a space that is lovely, inviting, comforting, attainable, live-in-able, affordable and yes, timeless ; ) I shall be out the door and on my way to Target as soon as I finish my coffee!

Love this collection, and it was beautifully styled by you and your team! I’m a designer and many of my clients resonate with this Updated Classic look. I’ll definitely be purchasing some of these items and am especially looking forward to that turned black side table coming out! I absolutely love the teal square art hanging above the stained chest of drawers! Where could I find that? Thank you!

I love this so much! There are a few pieces here I am buying – if I can find them!

I’m in Canada and the target website drives me bonkers. All links (not just yours) redirect to the Target homepage rather than the specific product. Can they fix that? I want to click and buy. Help a Canadian out, Target!

I think they are original and 100 year old, like mine but painted black. Wood framed and Just so pretty. When we first got there they had window treatments and the space was painted a dark gray, so once we painted and took down the treatments it was a totally different room.

I think the look itself has longevity. I’m just so OVER grey. It bores me everytime a new image comes up with mostly grey tones. Looks like a room full of dust bunnies.

Also, my taste in colors really hasn’t changed all that much in my life, so I don’t feel a need to that all over neutral room with “pops” of color. Seems so tentative and timid to me. Color is life to me. Without I feel depressed and edgy.

Looks like a really nice house, but I hate how open the kitchen is to the living room. Feels like you’re just sitting in the kitchen. Although it’s a pretty kitchen.

Likes? That little unavailable side table! If it’s not too spendy I’ll be snapping it up on 9/30. The wing (winglet?) chair is a great shape. You’re certainly right about wing chairs having the potential to eat up a room! Just wish it was in a less drab, depressing color. Defeats the cost saving purpose if you have to change the upholstery. And draping it with a throw just doesn’t make a difference.

Its a warm cream, Paula, not gray I promise. I like gray furniture, but these have a lot of warmth I promise 🙂 set your alarm on 9/30 – it seems like a lot of people are going to snatch up that side table (me, too). xx

I’ve been thinking about this so much lately – my personal and completely unpredicted swing toward timeless design. I drooled over dwell magazine and dreamed about building a modern house for 20 years – with clean lines and cement and pops of bright color. It was like a total rejection of the scrolled, paneled, avocado shag carpet we grew up with. But suddenly – what? – I’ve built this house and as I finish it I can’t get myself to pull the trigger on the ultra modern light fixtures (think blu dot) and furnishings and am instead leaning toward timeless pieces like schoolhouse lights and linen and lots of wood (I’m calling this scandinavian because I just can’t get myself to even THINK I’m going traditional). Is it because we embraced rejection modern for a couple decades and now we can relax? Thanks for the post and inspiration.

The late, great designer Mark Hampton began his career working in modern design with David Hicks. Both men eventually moved to more traditional design. I’m paraphrasing here, but Hampton said that modern design was a “failure,” because people still want their potted plants and bits and bobs scattered about. Basically people want warmth, and a lot of modernism does not feel warm or inviting.

And the pendulum keeps on swinging, so that what’s old is new again….

Mark Hampton wrote a great monthly column for House Beautiful, I think, which were gathered into a book. It is full of some of the best design advice. I can’t remember the name, but I think google could help you out with that.

As silly as it sounds, I’ve literally been trying to nail down a two word description of my style for ages, and you’ve finally done it! Updated classic! It’s relaxed and inviting and cozy but fresh. It has a lot of stuff but still feels light and minimal. I love it so much! While others have come close, this is the maybe the first room you’ve done where I want (and can afford haha) ALLLL of it. More of the updated classic please! Also, big props to target.

I want to love that wingback chair, but the super low arm rests seem really awkward to me. Maybe easier for kids to get in and out of it but it looks like it would be uncomfortable for adults to actually use. Anyone else?

You are my most favorite designer!! Loved you on Home Design Star way back when. I have a question, how can you get a modern feel in your home when you don’t have the amazing light as seen in this post? I’d love to have white walls but lack natural light. I live in Sacramento Ca in an adorable dutch Colonial home with front and back porches. While the porches offer us extra house footprint, they’ve made our living room dark. I wish I could hire you to help me!

Dark rooms are SO HARD. I’m battling some right now and i’m painting them in a moodier blue and green (two different rooms) in a texture – think modern plaster finish. it gives the room some movement and the light moves around. don’t go too dark, just a happy medium tone. check out this pin board:

I love this style! It IS timeless AND a great look to use staging home! This is more my style than the Opalhouse line, although I did do a powder room in an Opalhouse wallpaper.
BUT that ART above the antique dresser in the entry!?!?! Is THAT Target??? If so, I MUST HAVE!!!!!!

Your Target posts are always my favorites. I love how you styled this place. I don’t want to stay in your mountain home (even though I know it will be fabulous) but a dream of mine is if you and your team just sort of showed up at my house like publishers clearinghouse and just styled my house with your mix of high-end, Target, and vintage and then took photos for the blog. I know that my house isn’t living up to its full potential yet and I pore over this blog and others to learn HOW to get it there. But the dream would really be you and your team showing up (possibly with hot coffee and scones too) and doing something great.

It honestly would be SO MUCH FUN. Its just ensuring that the content would be worth the amount of time, effort and money spent. When I staged a friends house the other day we did a lot of this – pulling from cupboards, rearranging furniture and it looked SO much better and we were all ‘we should do this more often’. Per usual, when running a business, its just a matter of time, money and ROI 🙂

Kelly, we shot with samples but I BELIEVE that its the same color, but I can’t say 100%. I just ordered two for myself yesterday so I’ll let you know when I get it. I THINK its the same though. It is definitely that in between color – tan, taupe, cream, gray – definitely grayer than the sofa but still warm. xx

Love this style! I would enjoy seeing more of this. I skimmed through the first time then went back and carefully looked at each photo. I got lots of ideas and inspiration for my own house! You used antiques and made them look amazing! I have a few antiques that are sentimental to me. I love, love, love seeing different ways to style them. Thank you!

I’m *sort of* starting from scratch. I already purchased a sofa and area rug, but need everything else. I just went through and pinned my favorites – Basically those side tables and allllll the accessories (especially the pottery!).

Oh, and someone should talk about those perfectly melted candles in the fireplace – Dreamy!

May I ask how the sofa sits? We live in a 1920s bungalow in Denver, but we’re originally from South Louisiana. This style resonates with me, and your work is beautiful. Since we won’t be in this current bungalow forever, we’re looking for a sofa that fits the space, is neutral and appealing to most who will eventually walk through the door when we sell, but most of all is cozy for our little family right now. We do have a black lab, but he doesn’t climb on the couch – just the cuddle chairs (sofia in flaxen from Ballard). I appreciate your input and your willingness to share your amazing creativity. Thank you!

This is my favorite Target collection yet. I adore MCM, but for m house, traditional makes more sense. But I prefer simple, clean lines – so the marriage of the two is ideal! Thanks for this post, I am definitely going to have to make a trip or two to Target.

Hi Emily!
My son has a small room where the furniture can only go one way-bed under window (not centered either) and a storage piece to the left of it. I love that media cabinet but it seems kind of low at 29 inches. Is that really correct? My son Charlie is only 4 and will have a twin so I think this could work scale wise but 29 inches just seems a little low, idk.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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Hello!

Emily is a stylist, author and T.V. host with a strong commitment to vintage inspired approachable home style for every single person. Perfection is boring; Let’s get weird. learn more

Interior Design Blog by Youxi988

I started this interior design blog in 2010 as a journal of my style and home projects with the belief that design should be approachable, informational and accessible no matter what budget.

As a home style expert who has a strong commitment to peeling back the intimidating layers of the world of home decor, and showing how every person can have a beautiful home that represents their personality, no matter what the budget.

After styling for magazines and catalogues for years, I started my own interior design blog, won HGTV Design Star, and have gone on to host my own hit TV show Secrets from a Stylist, Author the book STYLED, and create the design firm Youxi988 Design.

My motto has always been to write and publish on my blog what I personally want to read about.